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Russia optimistic about MIG-35’s victory in Indian Air Force tender

Why people get so amazed with TVC? EF doesn't have it, still ahead of Sukhoi. Come on man we are living in BVR world.

well what i meant to say is if mig 35 doesnt have tvc then there is obviously no point going for it because sukhoi 30mki can do the job.
hence the need of the hour is a modern bvr aircraft lik the rafale.
this can best compliment our airforce.:agree:
 
well what i meant to say is if mig 35 doesnt have tvc then there is obviously no point going for it because sukhoi 30mki can do the job.
hence the need of the hour is a modern bvr aircraft lik the rafale.
this can best compliment our airforce.:agree:

MiG-35 has TVC.

It is modern.

It does have BVR.

an extract from Live Fist.

STRENGTHS

One of the principal draws of the MiG-35 is commonality of inventory type. Alongside the Indian Navy's MiG-29Ks and the IAF's upgraded MiG-29s, a lot of senior MoD officials believe the MiG-35 would be a sensible choice that would translate into real savings in infrastructure and trainign costs. The IAF holds its MiG-29s in high esteem. In fact, the MiG-29M/M2 and subsequently the MiG-35, were developed based in part on informal but organised feedback from IAF pilots on what was required to make the MiG-29 a truly multipurpose airplane. The IAF says it is eagerly awaiting more information and a demonstration of the FGA-35 variant of the Phazotron Zhuk-AE AESA radar, yet untested. In demonstration flights, IAF pilots have also been given an expansive look at the MiG-35's highly unique optronic locator system (OLS), which one IAF pilot (who flew the MiG-35 at Aero India 2007) said surpassed similar gear on some of the other aircraft. The OLS consists of an infrared search and track sensor in on the nose of the aircraft, and a ground attack sensor fitted next to one of the intakes. The IAF has been given demonstrations of the RD-33MK turbofan, and is very pleased with what Klimov has managed to achieve with it, against some fairly difficult deadline and legacy odds, though the IAF and MoD were terribly irked and continue to be so with Russia's decision to sell jet engines to Pakistan for the JF programme -- something that could spell real trouble in the final decision (Remember, other countries sell to Pakistan as well, but India reserves great expectations from Russia, especially since Moscow has articulated these loyalties more than once). Rosoboronexport has managed to convince the IAF quite effectively that the MiG-35 is indeed a quantum technological leap from the legacy Fulcrum. Politically, India continues to have enormous strategic ties with Russia, notwithstanding a certain fraying in recent times. Russia has always supported India politically during operations, and has never dared to question India's use of its equipment. Finally, the Russians have the most well-entrenched and experienced lobby within the IAF and government. And extravagant acts of politico-strategic altruism are not unprecedented when it comes to Indo-Russian defence ties.

WEAKNESSES

The MiG-35 programme has a single prototype (the ubiquitous No. 154 -- I flew in this at MAKS 07) and that too one without a full complement of the avionics/sensor package listed in the offered configuration. As a result, the IAF is of the view that a lot of the MiG-35's capabilities, as articulated by its engineers and pilots, are still theoretical, even though they may be perfectly real once the full package is integrated and available. With field evaluations to begin anytime now, there's a sense of apprehension about just how MiG will demonstrate the aircraft without testbed platforms -- which obviously throws up the question, will the IAF consider technological parameters on testbeds rather than on a fully integrated fighter plane? The MiG-35 is rigged with the MIL-STD-1553 electrical data bus, which could prove a serious downer, considering that some rival contenders come with the MIL-STD-1773 optical fibre based data bus, which the IAF is seriously interested in. A factor that almost needs no mentioning is that Russia has carelessly squandered any time it was given to prove its reliability, but persisting with its putrid reputation for being fickle, even heartlessly apathetic, when it came to after-sales support. Even the IAF's existing MiG-29s suffer from serviceability issues as a result of Russia's refusal to cooperate quickly on spares and aggregates support. Something that could go majorly against the MiG-35 is also the fact that the Russian Air Force has no immediate plans to place orders for the aircraft, and is instead going the Super Flanker way with greater gusto. Politically, the government feels there is little that can be politically gained from Russia, considering that strategic ties are already mature, even at a saturation level. Secondly, Russia's position in international politics has plummetted relentlessly since the 1990s, and the country offers no strategic advantages anymore. Third, buying from Russia would be a full-frontal on the US, which -- like it or not -- is India's principal foreign policy holy grail.


GB
 
From Ajay Shukla's Blog.

Face-to-face: rating their chances

F/A-18 Super Hornet: Overall chances: COOL


Pros
1. Battle-tested, frontline fighter with the US Navy
2. Powerful, agile, rugged, designed for aircraft carriers
3. Advanced avionics and missile systems
4. Can function as refuelling tanker with external fuel tanks
5. Fields fully-operational and deployed Raytheon APG-79 AESA radar


Cons
1. US restrictions on modifications and end usage
2. Earlier generation design, dating back to 1980s
3. Heavy, 30-ton aircraft, expensive



F-16IN Super Viper: Overall chances: WARM


Pros
1. Tested modern fighter, has logged over 100,000 combat missions globally
2. Single-engine, 19-tonne fighter, price competitive
3. Advanced avionics and missile systems
4. Advanced Northrop Grumman APG-80 AESA radar
5. Four F-16 production lines functioning world-wide


Cons
1. US restrictions on modifications and end usage
2. Earlier generation design, dating back to 1980s
3. Earlier vintage F-16s in service with Pakistan Air Force


Eurofighter Typhoon: Overall chances: COOL


Pros
1. Contemporary fighter, still evolving
2. High performance, high-end technology, including supercruise
3. Offering India development partnership
4. No end user restrictions, easy transfer of technology
5. EADS already helping to develop India’s LCA


Cons
1. No combat experience
2. Heavy, 25-ton aircraft, expensive
3. AESA radar still under development


Saab Gripen NG: Overall chances: RED HOT


Pros
1. Only Eurofighter and Gripen are capable of Supercruise: supersonic flight without afterburners
2. Can land, refuel, rearm and take off in 10 minutes
3. Light, single-engine, highly cost-effective
4. Selex Raven AESA radar with advanced swashplate technology
5. Willing to hand over source codes for high-tech equipment


Cons
1. Has US components, including engines and avionics
2. AESA radar still under development
3. India has never operated a Swedish fighter


RAC MiG, MiG-35: Overall chances: HOT


Pros
1. Dovetails easily with IAF’s MiG-29 fleet
2. Typical Russian fast, agile fighter
3. Vastly improved avionics and targeting system
4. Thrust-vectoring engines option exists
5. Cheapest ticket price of twin-engine fighters


Cons
1. Airframe barely improved from MiG-29
2. Zhuk-Phazotron AESA radar still under development
3. Life cycle cost of Russian fighters is traditionally high




Dassault Rafale: Overall chances: DARK HORSE


Pros
1. Amongst the most contemporary options
2. France deploys on land and aircraft carriers
3. IAF’s Mirage-2000 fleet creates comfort level with Dassault
4. Transfer of technology smooth; no end user restrictions
5. Only non-US fighter with deployed AESA radar


Cons
1. Limited combat experience
2. 25-tonne, twin-engine aircraft, expensive
3. Only contender never to have flown in India

GB
 
which is better KOOL or HOT..???
 
The biggest con for mig 35 is the time factor, it will b available only in 2016 if ordered, and this is precisely what iaf cant afford.
 
The biggest con for mig 35 is the time factor, it will b available only in 2016 if ordered, and this is precisely what iaf cant afford.

and if you order something else today when you will get it?

What are the timelines of delivery with other contenders?

GB
 
which is better KOOL or HOT..???

Depends upon IAFs taste...........I still belive we have to find a solution which is cheap in a long run with all features of 4++ gen with a proven AESA and weapons system and thats all we need even if it proves to be Saab gripen, In the end its the IAFs decision cause they are the ones evaluating them and will choose what they like and thats the best part.
:cheers:
 
and if you order something else today when you will get it?

What are the timelines of delivery with other contenders?

GB


Russia can’t start making MiG-35 fighters for India before 2013


Nizhny Novogord (Russia), Aug 14 (RIA Novosti) Production of MiG-35 multirole fighters offered for sale to India cannot start before 2013 or 2014, a Russian aircraft maker has said.
“We have begun testing the MiG-35 fighter for the Indian tender,” Alexander Karezin, general director of the Sokol company based in Nizhny Novgorod, said Thursday.

Russia’s MiG-35 Fulcrum-F, an export version of the MiG-29M OVT (Fulcrum F), is a highly manoeuvrable air superiority fighter, which won high acclaim during the Le Bourget air show in France last year.

Six major aircraft makers — Lockheed and Boeing from the US, Russia’s MiG, which is part of the UAC, France’s Dassault, Sweden’s Saab and the EADS consortium of British, German, Spanish and Italian companies — are in contention to win the $10 billion contract for 126 light fighters to be supplied to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Sukol earlier said that the first two MiG-35 aircraft would be delivered to India in August for test flights prior to the award of the tender. In late 2009, Russia will conduct a series of flight tests with live firing for an IAF delegation at a testing ground in Russia.

The fighter is powered by RD-33 OVT thrust vectoring engines. The RD-33 OVT engines provide superior manoeuvrability and enhance the fighter’s performance in close air engagements, its manufacturers say.

Moscow said if MiG-35 wins the tender, Russia is ready to transfer all key technology to India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and provide assistance for the production of the aircraft in India.
 
Why should they comment on every news report? Btw, do you think IAF will buy a fighter that offers only limited A2G capabilities and costs the same, or even more than the Pak Fa?

Exactly! Eurofighters chances are really grounded in it. Only aircraft that can pass everything is Rafale. Total Tot + Good aircraft + Navalized version etc.

Except cost. But it is accounted for when India said 10-12 billion.
 
Mig-35s biggest disadvantage is that it dosent have production line right now


Rafale : 70-80 build

Eurofighter : 146 by May 2008

Gripen : 213 as of Dec 2008

F-16 : 4,500+

F-18SH : 400 as of 2009
 
A factor that almost needs no mentioning is that Russia has carelessly squandered any time it was given to prove its reliability, but persisting with its putrid reputation for being fickle, even heartlessly apathetic, when it came to after-sales support. Even the IAF's existing MiG-29s suffer from serviceability issues as a result of Russia's refusal to cooperate quickly on spares and aggregates support. Something that could go majorly against the MiG-35 is also the fact that the Russian Air Force has no immediate plans to place orders for the aircraft, and is instead going the Super Flanker way with greater gusto.

How much will this affect us. If we are to get ToT, we will get the know how of making the complete plane. Would that enable us to become self sufficient in maintaining the planes?
 
Why people get so amazed with TVC? EF doesn't have it, still ahead of Sukhoi. Come on man we are living in BVR world.
Not so fast mate, EF didn't needed it because of canards, but will get it with the new Tranche 3 upgrade. F22, the best air superiority fighter at present has it too and Pak Fa will have a better one with the addition to of the LERX, so in terms of maneuverability it is clearly an advantage!
From Ajay Shukla's Blog...

RAC MiG, MiG-35: Overall chances: HOT


Pros
1. Dovetails easily with IAF’s MiG-29 fleet
2. Typical Russian fast, agile fighter
3. Vastly improved avionics and targeting system
4. Thrust-vectoring engines option exists
5. Cheapest ticket price of twin-engine fighters


Cons
1. Airframe barely improved from MiG-29
2. Zhuk-Phazotron AESA radar still under development
3. Life cycle cost of Russian fighters is traditionally high




Dassault Rafale: Overall chances: DARK HORSE


Pros
1. Amongst the most contemporary options
2. France deploys on land and aircraft carriers
3. IAF’s Mirage-2000 fleet creates comfort level with Dassault
4. Transfer of technology smooth; no end user restrictions
5. Only non-US fighter with deployed AESA radar


Cons
1. Limited combat experience
2. 25-tonne, twin-engine aircraft, expensive
3. Only contender never to have flown in India


GB

Could it be that this comparison is old? Unlike the Mig, or EF and Gripen NG, the Rafale attended trials in the final config and not just showed off at Aero India for PR reasons. Also if 25t MTOW is a con for EF and Rafale, it must be for the Mig too, because it has the same MTOW.
Not to forget that just like the EF, it lacks in A2G capabilities, because so far both fighters don't offer any stand off, or cruise missiles (Taurus/Storm Shadow, Kh59/Brahmos) and imo that is a capability that IAF desperately needs for the future.
 
it would be stupid to go after f18s as they will soon get retired by their own mom(US) ...considering it for the sake of future aquisition of f35 would be much stupid:taz: bcoz india would never buy f35 it in future ...........:sniper:
 

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